The Michigan Technological University rowing team is navigating a season of challenges, including harsh weather and a record-sized roster, as it prepares for a critical stretch of races known as regattas.
The fall season is short, dictated by the academic calendar and the rapidly changing weather in the UP. The team has already lost valuable water time. “We had to cancel four practices in a row due to dense, thick fog that you really cannot row through,” reported Jeffrey Siebigteroth, a student coach for the MTU rowing team.
Safety concerns override the desire to practice. “I cannot send you out in good faith just because it would be dangerous,” the student coach added.
A surge in interest has also presented a logistical challenge. The team is managing its largest roster ever, making it difficult to organize efficient practices. Despite a shaky start, the team is hitting its stride. “We’re starting to see a lot of improvement out of the novices,” Siebigteroth commented.
The team’s momentum was interrupted when a scrimmage against Northern Michigan University was canceled due to illness. The focus has now shifted to the competition season, beginning with the Head of the Des Moines regatta. A regatta is a series of boat races where crews compete over set distances to win medals.
The team is optimistic about its chances. “It’s a smaller regatta, so we’re really hoping that we can bring home some medals and really prove that we do have what it takes to compete,” Siebigteroth said.
The mood within the team is positive. “I’m glad we’re getting a lot of people out on the water. Practices have been going good,” said Noah Halkola, a second-year computer science major, who also praised the work of student coaches.
Following Des Moines, the Huskies will compete at two larger events: the Head of the Mississippi on Oct. 3-4 in Minneapolis, MN, and the Head of the Rock on Oct. 11-12 in Rockford, IL. These regattas are key benchmarks for the program.
With its boats loaded for the first competition, the Michigan Tech rowing team aims to transform its early-season hurdles into success on the water, proving their hard work in Houghton can pay off against regional rivals.
